Diatom Diversity and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of a Freshwater Lake in Sangareddy District, Telangana, India

Abstract Diatoms are among the most sensitive biological indicators of freshwater ecosystem health due to their rapid response to environmental fluctuations. The present investigation evaluates diatom diversity in relation to selected physico-chemical parameters of a freshwater lake located in Sangareddy District, Telangana, India. Monthly sampling was carried out from January to December 2024 at three representative stations influenced by varying degrees of anthropogenic activity. A total of twelve diatom species belonging to six genera were recorded during the study period. Key water quality parameters including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, phosphate, silicate, sulphate and total dissolved solids were analyzed following standard methods. The results indicate moderate nutrient enrichment and declining water quality during summer and post-monsoon periods. The dominance of pollution-tolerant diatom species suggests increasing organic loading primarily from domestic wastewater discharge and agricultural runoff. The strong correlation between diatom assemblages and environmental variables confirms their effectiveness as bio-indicators of freshwater pollution. The study highlights the necessity of incorporating biological monitoring tools into lake conservation and management strategies for sustainable freshwater resource protection.